“Yes, sir.” I hurry out of the house and down the street without looking back. My feet don’t seem to want to move, but I do anyhow. Why does this feel wrong, leaving him? I don’t know his name and he just killed a man in front of me, so the only thing to do is to be grateful and flee as fast as possible.
I start my car and drive carefully so I don’t get pulled over. He might be watching me, and if the cops stop me, he could believe I told them. Shit, I wonder if someone’s following me. I dart my eyes to the rearview mirror and check for him or one of his buddies. I’m sure a man like him has men at his disposal, but I didn’t see a single person with him.
On the drive all the way back to my apartment, I’m a shaking mess and forget all about not making another sale. What am I supposed to do now? I have to pack as much as I can into my car without stuffing it because I’ll need somewhere to sleep. What can I take in the drop of a hat?
I condensed my life the day my parents booted me from the house the day I turned eighteen, so I don’t have a lot to take, but my old faithful isn’t a large sedan. It’s a compact car. I don’t have time to make something to eat, not that I feel like eating anyway. Still, it would have been nice to have one last hot meal.
I stuff my trunk and half of the back seat before driving away from my apartment. I see a car behind me, following at a short distance, but then it turns off onto a side road. Goodness, I’m paranoid. The women’s shelter isn’t too far from here. All I have to do is make it inside and stay there while I search for a job.
I park my car in their roughly twenty-car lot, snagging my purse and tossing it over my shoulder before locking the doors.
A sigh falls from my lips as I grab the handle, knowing I’m about to ask for someone’s generosity while doing my best not to cry. At the counter is a pretty lady who smiles up at me without any judgement in her eyes. “How can I help you?”
“Hello, I was wondering if you still have an available bed for me?”
“Is it just you, miss?” she asks, looking behind me which makes me do the same. I’m grateful that there’s no one else behind me. The fear of being followed hasn’t left my head, although I’m not sure I’d be totally upset if it was that big brute who cradled me like I was precious. Something about his touch lives in my bones.
“Yes.” My voice shakes, betraying my fear.
“Is everything okay? You seem shaken up.”
“It’s just been a crazy day,” I confess, and she nods, understanding that I can’t say more than that.
“Well, let me give you a tour of the place. I’m Amy, by the way. It’s free here, but we do ask that you help with keeping your area clean or volunteering your time to the kitchen or with the children.” The price is right, and I’m grateful for the warm bed to sleep in.
“That sounds great.” We walk around for an hour and end at where I’ll be sleeping. Honestly, I’m so appreciative that I don’t have to sleep in my car and I’m happy to have just a simple cot. “I need to head to my car to grab a small bag of clothes, but I’ll be right back.”
“Okay. Things will get better,” Amy says, rubbing my arm.
“Thank you. I just need to find a job. I’m tempted to look outside the state.”
“We have people that come in once a week for job consultations.”
“That’s amazing.”
“Now, go get your things, sweetie.” She pats my arm and then nods. I smile and give her a silent thank you before rushing outside to grab my things. I can’t help but look in both directions to see if I’ve been followed. Damn it, I can’t see anyone, but the sun’s glare is in my face as it starts to set. Shit. I hurry and dash back inside, getting a curious look from Amy.
I smile and walk over to my bed and small table. Getting comfortable, I pull out my phone and start searching for work. A call comes in from my former boss, and I let it go to voicemail. There’s no way I’m answering. As far as I’m concerned, I no longer work for him and he can harass someone else. Two minutes later, a voice message pops up on my phone.
I press play as I bring the phone to my ear. I knew you couldn’t do it. Your ass owes me. Get back here before I make you pay even more than just on your knees. You will be found, so you might as well make it easy on yourself. I press the stop button. There’s nothing else I want to hear.